The achievements of Northern Ireland's most entrepreneurial companies has been celebrated at an awards event in Belfast.

Eight firms from the province, including new businesses and successful exporters, were presented with prizes in the regional stage of the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards in association with the Belfast Telegraph, Invest NI and InterTradeIreland.

Seven businesses from Northern Ireland, and one from Donegal, collected gongs at the ceremony in the Merchant Hotel.

The winners were Bubblebum in Londonderry, which took home the start-up business award. Wholeschool Software in Belfast triumphed in the innovation and emerging technology category, while Andor Technology won the international business award.

An award for social entrepreneurship went to Donegal County Enterprise Fund, while the prize for a family-run business went to Wilsons Auctions in Newtownabbey.

The prize for environmental friendliness went to Envirogreen Recycling in Coalisland, while Wilson's Country Foods in Craigavon won an accolade for agri food and drink. A prize for service businesses went to Autoline Insurance Group in Newry.

Ian Jordan of Ulster Bank congratulated the winners, who will now take part in an all-Island final in Dublin on April 14.

Mr Jordan said: "There were almost 400 entries to the awards, which in itself is encouraging. Even more pleasing is the high quality of many of the entries, including a large number of new and emerging companies.

"There were however a number of Ulster businesses that stood out for particular recognition and we are delighted to present these eight companies with their awards. We wish them the best of luck in the all-island stage of the scheme."